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The Steelers’ quarterback competition still seems unsettled, though Russell Wilson didn’t appear to do himself many favors on Saturday.
During a 9-3 loss to the Bills, the 35-year-old went 8-for-10 with 47 yards, but the offense failed to score during his five series, which included three three-and-outs, and he was sacked three times.
Justin Fields didn’t fare much better, going 11-for-17 with 92 yards passing and 42 yards rushing in five series, taking one sack.
He also fumbled again after fumbling twice during the preseason opener against the Texans.
On at least one sack, it appeared Wilson held onto the ball too long, though Steelers coach Mike Tomlin placed the blame on the offensive line.
“We didn’t do a good enough job of protecting the quarterback,” Tomlin told reporters after the game. “We’ve got to do a better job in pass protection than we did — not only in possession downs but just in general. I was really up-front with the group about it in that regard, that can’t be a problem for us.”
Tomlin said he couldn’t get a good enough evaluation of Wilson because of how stagnant the offense was.
“It’s somewhat of an incomplete study because you just don’t get a chance to see them operate or us operate or us establish rhythm and personality when you’re not winning possession downs,” Tomlin said regarding Wilson’s performance. “And we weren’t. The first three or so series of the game, it was three and out, and you’re not going to get an opportunity to establish rhythm or play the way you’d like as an individual or a collective.”
The Steelers signed Wilson to a one-year, $1.2 million contract after the Broncos decided they’d rather have $85 million in dead money on their cap than continue with him under center.
The Steelers then traded for Fields in March when the Bears decided to pick Caleb Williams No. 1 overall in the 2024 NFL Draft.
Pittsburgh gave up on 2022 first-round pick Kenny Pickett, trading him to the Eagles, while Mason Rudolph, who started three games for the Steelers last season, signed with the Titans.
The Steelers finish their preseason on Saturday against the Lions in Detroit before visiting the Falcons to begin the new season on Sept. 8.
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